It’s arguably the most feel-good story to come out of the brown and gold in recent years.

From almost being delisted to becoming one of his club’s leading players, Dylan Moore has managed to drastically turn things around for himself. 

Moore inked a new contract with the Hawks earlier this week, turning down rival interest to lock in his tenure at Waverley until the end of the 2026 season.

The new three-year contract comes less than three years after one game saved time being called on his career.

After joining Hawthorn following the 2017 draft, Moore managed just 10 senior appearances before almost getting delisted in his third year.

Facing the prospect of pulling on the brown and gold for the final time, Moore remarkably breathed life into his AFL career with a break-out game against Gold Coast in Round 18 of 2020.

Following the impressive end of season performance, the club opted to re-sign Moore as a rookie.

Reflecting on the first few years of his career, Moore admits he felt “a little bit embarrassed” by his efforts.

“It started well – I won a Box Hill premiership in my first year, made a senior debut the year after but after that didn’t really do anything to be honest,” Moore said.

“I kind of looked at myself in the mirror after that third year when I got nearly delisted, I was quite embarrassed with my efforts so far and I knew I could be better.

“So, it was all about these last few years was proving people wrong and trying to play good footy and live out my childhood dream.”

While the small forward managed to cement a regular spot in 2021, it was his 2022 campaign that took him to new heights, with a third-place finish in last year’s best and fairest a nice reward for effort.

“I was pretty happy with it. I guess I just played consistent footy, and I was able to get my body right, so I played every game,” Moore said.

“When you’re able to get your body right and you play every game you give yourself every chance to play well, and do alright in best and fairest’s and stuff like that.

“But I just really put it down to staying consistent with myself, having a good routine and then I was able to play some pretty good footy.”

Now heading into his sixth season at the club, Moore is considered one of the main leaders of Hawthorn’s young side – setting the standards of both training and behaviours.

“I’m so keen for 2023, we’re building something pretty special,” Moore said.

“I feel like it wasn’t too long ago that I was one of the youngest guys at the club and now I’m one of the older guys.”

Moore admitted that while a lot has changed, he is relishing the opportunity to become a role model and leader among his teammates.

“It’s a bit weird, but it’s exciting as well,” Moore said.

“We’ve got the likes of Sam Butler, Connor Macdonald, Jack O’Sullivan and Josh Bennetts who are some small forwards coming through.

“Luke Breust and Chad Wingard are mentors of mine, so hopefully I can start becoming mentors of those younger boys.

“At the moment I’m trying to build on that and that’s something I got to work on but I’m really enjoying that process so far.”

Having supported Hawthorn his whole life, Moore says he “couldn’t be happier” now with how things have panned out.

“I love this footy club, love the boys here, and love the whole environment,” Moore said.

“It couldn’t have been an easier decision for me (signing on), I just love this footy club.”